LETTERS FROM CAMP – TRY SOMETHING NEW
Stephanie Rustem, Camp Assistant Director
Skits with Camp Staff
It’s hard to believe that it’s already Week 3. This week, we welcomed our first group of older campers. Many campers this week are seasoned camp veterans while others are attending camp for the first time. Whether they are new or returning campers, everyone has had the opportunity to learn new outdoor skills.
On Monday, the Primitive Skills campers tested their improved archery skills on the 3D archery range. They had the chance to take shots at deer and turkey targets spread out among the woods and were challenged to make accurate hunting shots that could provide a game-filled dinner.
High Ropes
On Tuesday, the Stewards in Training (SIT) campers stepped out of their comfort zones and into the air at the Howell Nature Center high ropes course. Some campers pushed themselves to overcome their fear of heights while others challenged themselves to try the course forwards, backwards, and blindfolded. The SIT campers will continue to challenge both their bodies and minds as they embark on a 5-mile backpacking adventure to Green Lake.
Training with Chelsea Rod and Gun Club
On Wednesday, both the Upland Bird and Big Game Hunt campers visited the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club. The campers had the chance to try their trigger fingers at trap shooting, honed their riflery skills, and even held guns built for World War II.
This week has been full of new opportunities for these campers. It has also been a chance for our staff to work with a new age group of kids. With this week being 12-15 year old campers, we have been able to go into more depth while teaching conservation, as well as focus on the refinement of technical skills rather than just introducing many of the youth to the outdoors.
With the conclusion of camp this week we will be looking forward to our week of Riley Wilderness campers sponsored by Mr. George Riley and SCI-Novi and joining us on the 20th. For the majority of them it will be their first ever outdoor experiences.
